Pansies/Violas and some Watercolor

Every year when our local grocery stores sets out these pretties, it’s a sure sign Spring is here. Well, at least that’s what ‘they’ tell me.

Unfortunately, the snow that fell this afternoon and the cold wind that keeps knocking at our door don’t seem to be in a rush to leave.

But today I decided to ignore them and brought some of these pretties home. Now if I could only remember if these are called Pansies, Violas or both?

I have been having fun using tea cups as flower

pots. It’s unconventional, but that’s why I like it.

Today, I used an old gravy bowl

I purchased at our local thrift store.

Don’t they look so pretty in there? Because a container like this wouldn’t have proper drainage, I placed a little bit of sand at the bottom to absorb some of the water from the roots.

Seeing these beautiful flowers inspired me to take out my paints and brushes. It’s been a while since I shared my sketchbook, so here are some pansies that I painted (when I should have been folding laundry…oops).

Sometimes all I need is a little painting or a small sketch

to get it out of my system and I’m ok for a little while…:)

My favourite tools…

I read this quote from Helen Keller last week and I immediately thought of my love and passion for God, my family and art. This weekend while at church, it became clear to me why art moves me the way it does – it is because of my love for the LORD who is the greatest artist there ever was. He desires for us a world full of colour and hope. He opens our eyes and shows us how to see the beauty around us, to see colour amongst darkness. Because of his GRACE, we can see the good in people and are able to see beyond their faults. We are able to see the positive during hardships and see the glass half full. I feel so blessed to be able to able to share my passion for art with you and I thank you for always encouraging me along the way. Thank you.much love,

I can’t believe you are still in winter!! My friends in Ohio are suffering from the winter too. This is my first year in Texas and I can see the wicked Sumer not too far away. Our summers are extraordinarily hot and long here. I just love your art. To have one of your paintings would be amazing …. I would even settle for one of your paintbrushes. Something you used to create such beauty. You are very talented.

I love the pansies planted in cups….so sweet. Your painting and Helen Keller quote touched my heart. God blessed you with so much talent Lucy…you’re using it beautifully and giving Him the glory. Thank you for sharing this beautiful post.

I think they are called just pansies but I may be wrong! your idea with the cups is just adorable and thanks for sharing that you put sand at the bottom, I probably would have drowned the roots!!Pinning your beautiful watercolour,xoxo

I love your blog Lucy! you are very inspirational! I also love your blog design and how cute and simple it is. Did you do it yourself or have some else do it? I am in need of a new blog design so I am searching around 🙂

I can’t help but think of Alice and Wonderland whenever I see pansies. These paintings are absolutely lovely. I wish I had even an ounce of your artistic talent. Thanks for sharing more of your sketchbook, I always love getting to see your beautiful sketches!

Your artwork is always beautiful and inspiring to me. The violets (I think that’s what your pretty flowers are) look fresh and springy, even if it isn’t so much outside. Violets and pansies both are part of the viola family… violets have three petals that point upward and two that point downward, while pansies have four petals that point upward and one that points downward (my head spins). Pansies are usually bigger than violets…also, they come in more un-violet colors (even rusty orangish), maybe because they’ve been hybridized more? Their foliage grows more compact and neat than the rangy foliage of violets.

I love them. You painted them as they are to me, lovely, ethereal, delicate. Happy Spring! Lynaea @ EveryDayBloom.com